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NM-MVH Kennels -- Middletown MD

About Hunter Paces

A hunter pace is a low-key competitive event deriving its roots from foxhunting. Teams of two or three riders (or more) follow an outdoor course laid out over terrain which simulates conditions encountered while foxhunting. And is contested at a fair hunting pace which is a mixture of gaits that a foxhunter typically uses following hounds through open country and along wooded trails.

The length for a hunter pace course vary, typically around 3 miles and can take up to an hour or more to complete. There is a course map provided and there are several divisions such as on the flat, low over fences and high fast to name a few -- we have something for every rider.

It is up to each team to guess what the an ideal time to complete the course might be and to adjust its pace accordingly. The ideal time is determined ahead of time by sending out one or more riders to ride the course before the event Average time may be used.

At the event the team which completes the course in a time closest to the ideal (time is set the day before by a rider simulating "a fair hunting pace") is placed first. Too fast is penalized just like too slow so clearly it is not a race. Even though there is a competitive aspect to a hunter pace, most riders simply regard it as an enjoyable way to spend a day in the countryside with their mounts and congenial company. The placing are almost secondary. All riders must sign a waiver -- all riders must wear helmets, juniors must wear an approved helmet and safety vests are encouraged.

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Rules & Regulations
1. Optimum times will not be shared until the results are announced.
2. *NEW* Team names will be used for tracking points. It is the team members responsibility to enter using the same team name at each hunter pace if they would like to be considered for a series end award. A team is defined as two or more riders who ride together at each hunter pace. The team must enter the same class at a minimum of 4 out of the 7 hunter paces to be eligible for a series end award.
4. Teams of each recognized Hunt receive accumulated points for the Robert Lee Hall Memorial Trophy. If a team has members from more than one Hunt, they must designate which Hunt is to receive points.
5. Attire: Formal hunt or ratcatcher attire encouraged. All riders are required to wear approved riding helmets when mounted. Safety vests are recommended. No sneakers or chaps will be allowed.
6. Liability form/waiver must be signed by each rider with their entry. Juniors must have a parent or legal guardian sign their form.
7. Each course will be ridden within 48 hours of the pace to set the optimum time or an average will be used. Time is set with the first team rider out and ending with the last team rider to cross the finish line.
8. Juniors are 18 years and younger. Two (2) Juniors are necessary for a Junior Team, except a rider 9 years or under may ride with an adult and classify as a Junior Team.
9. Proof of a negative Coggins Test dated within 12 months of the event is required.
10. Class #1: Fast Time Over Fences will begin at 10:00 AM. All other classes will be run concurrently at the conclusion of this class. For the safety of other riders, no high/fast riders will be permitted on course once this class closes (generally before noon).

Entry FeeThe entry fee is $25 per horse/rider combination, per ride. The same combination may ride in multiple classes and/or in the same class on a different team.

Ribbons, Points, & Trophies Six ribbons awarded in each class.

Classes & Trophies1. Fast Time Over Fences
Fences 3-36. Competition for hunt teams over a course of fair hunting country over a distance of 2.5-4 miles. Fastest team wins.

2. Optimum Time Over Fences
Fences 3-36. Competition for hunter teams over a course of fair hunting country. Time will be preset by a field master to simulate riding to working hounds. Team closest to preset time wins. Average time may be used. Distance of 2.5-4 miles.

3. Optimum Time Over Low Fences
Fences not to exceed 26. Competition for hunter teams over a course of fair hunting country. Time will be preset by a field master to simulate riding to working hounds. Team closest to preset time wins.Average time may be used. Distance of 1-2 miles.

4. Junior Optimum Time Over Low Fences
Same as Class #2 except teams must consist of at least two riders under the age of 18 or as described in rule #8.Average time may be used.

5. Optimum Flat Time
Competition for hunter teams over a course of fair hunting country without fences. Team closest to preset optimum time wins.Average time may be used. Minimum of 2 miles.

6. Junior Optimum Flat Time
Same as Class #5 except teams must consist of at least two riders under the age of 18 or as described in rule #8.Average time may be used.

Come enjoy the fun
with NM-MVH!

Bring a tailgate and your friends enjoy the day at the foot of South Mountain!